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Smoky Mountain #9
Welcome Back
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's sweet and touching story follows one woman's journey back to the home--and the husband--she left behind…
When Lydia Cunningham left her husband and moved to Atlanta ten years ago, it was with equal parts sadness and certainty. She loved her home in North Carolina, with its lush green hills and crisp, clean air. And in truth, she still loved John, too. But she could no longer live with her mother-in-law's constant criticism and the distance it created in her marriage.
Now, thanks to a job offer at her alma mater, Lydia is moving back, renting the old country house where she and John lived as newlyweds. She hopes to strengthen the frayed ties with her daughter, Mary Beth, and build a relationship with her grandsons. As for John--it's clear from the moment Lydia sees him standing in her doorway that he hopes they might rekindle their bond. The spark between them hasn't dimmed--but neither have Lydia's memories of past hurts. Yet in this magnificent landscape that's always felt like home, she might find a way to forgive and begin again…
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2016
23 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 23, 2016
A special thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Southern storyteller, Lin Stepp delivers another charming tale in the Smoky Mountain Series, WELCOME BACK, a journey of second chances, forgiveness, family and some rekindled romance.
Lydia Cunningham moved on years ago, leaving her husband, John and daughter, Mary Beth behind in the mountains of North Carolina for a job opportunity at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. She still loved her husband, and her home; however, she could no longer tolerate her difficult mother-in-law’s (Estelle) constant criticism and the interference in their lives. She had reasons for leaving the farm.
As the book opens, Lydia is leaving Atlanta behind and her sons to return to North Carolina. Her sons—JT, Billy Dale (Will) and Parker are not happy about it. They are concerned about their mother, subjecting herself to more hurt. John is estranged from his wife and sons.
Lydia has taken a job at Western Carolina University and is renting Hill House, located on Cunningham Farm, where her husband and daughter live. Not divorced, yet it has been ten years. They wanted different things. Her sons had gotten educations tuition-free.
Cunningham Farm is known for its calicos and collies, and its old historic apple orchard which has been in the family for many generations. There is also a ghost. Many legends about the Cherokee Indian Red Haw and Nance Dude. (if you have been to the area, you are aware of the history)
When she returns to Cunningham Farm in the Maggie Valley of Western Carolina. She finds some things the same and other things have changed. Her husband John is different now. Lydia has happy memories and she gets to spend time with her grandsons, (twin six- year- old boys) Billy Ray and Bucky. She is now Nana Lydia. They call John, Daddy John. A back story here.
It may be time for starting over, since Estelle has passed. Renting the house will help out financially and give her the opportunity to rebuild relationship with the father of her children and her daughter. Readers also hear viewpoint for each character’s perspective and the choices made at the time.
Possibly a spark is still there and they both have changed. New respect for one another? Can they forgive and a second chance?
As always,Lin brings the characters to life with vivid settings, and an important takeaway message. A novel of family, history, loyalty, forgiveness, and acceptance infused with Christian faith.
Having lived in Atlanta and North Carolina, always enjoy the settings and catching up with familiar places and characters. I prefer Highlands and Cashiers area of North Carolina: however, recall years ago taking my young sons to Maggie Valley’s Ghost Town in the Sky and Santa's Land Theme Park & Zoo in Cherokee.
JDCMustReadBooks
Southern storyteller, Lin Stepp delivers another charming tale in the Smoky Mountain Series, WELCOME BACK, a journey of second chances, forgiveness, family and some rekindled romance.
Lydia Cunningham moved on years ago, leaving her husband, John and daughter, Mary Beth behind in the mountains of North Carolina for a job opportunity at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. She still loved her husband, and her home; however, she could no longer tolerate her difficult mother-in-law’s (Estelle) constant criticism and the interference in their lives. She had reasons for leaving the farm.
As the book opens, Lydia is leaving Atlanta behind and her sons to return to North Carolina. Her sons—JT, Billy Dale (Will) and Parker are not happy about it. They are concerned about their mother, subjecting herself to more hurt. John is estranged from his wife and sons.
Lydia has taken a job at Western Carolina University and is renting Hill House, located on Cunningham Farm, where her husband and daughter live. Not divorced, yet it has been ten years. They wanted different things. Her sons had gotten educations tuition-free.
Cunningham Farm is known for its calicos and collies, and its old historic apple orchard which has been in the family for many generations. There is also a ghost. Many legends about the Cherokee Indian Red Haw and Nance Dude. (if you have been to the area, you are aware of the history)
When she returns to Cunningham Farm in the Maggie Valley of Western Carolina. She finds some things the same and other things have changed. Her husband John is different now. Lydia has happy memories and she gets to spend time with her grandsons, (twin six- year- old boys) Billy Ray and Bucky. She is now Nana Lydia. They call John, Daddy John. A back story here.
It may be time for starting over, since Estelle has passed. Renting the house will help out financially and give her the opportunity to rebuild relationship with the father of her children and her daughter. Readers also hear viewpoint for each character’s perspective and the choices made at the time.
Possibly a spark is still there and they both have changed. New respect for one another? Can they forgive and a second chance?
As always,Lin brings the characters to life with vivid settings, and an important takeaway message. A novel of family, history, loyalty, forgiveness, and acceptance infused with Christian faith.
Having lived in Atlanta and North Carolina, always enjoy the settings and catching up with familiar places and characters. I prefer Highlands and Cashiers area of North Carolina: however, recall years ago taking my young sons to Maggie Valley’s Ghost Town in the Sky and Santa's Land Theme Park & Zoo in Cherokee.
JDCMustReadBooks
February 10, 2016
Welcome Back by Lin Stepp (A Smoky Mountain Novel Book 9) is an amazing book about family, learning to forgive, and how to heal and move forward. This is such a beautifully written novel! I am hoping my review doesn't give too much away, as this is a book definitely worth reading!
Ten years earlier, Lydia Cunningham left her husband (John) and daughter (Mary Beth) to move to Atlanta for a job opportunity at Georgia Tech. However, there is more to that story because they were driven away by her mother-in-law, Estelle. Lydia had tried so hard to win Estelle over, but nothing was ever good enough. Estelle was all about the farm, and she expected everyone else to live that way, too. So when Lydia's sons showed interest in pursuing other careers besides farming, Estelle started making their lives miserable as well. Her husband John never stood up to his mother, which caused problems in their marriage. As hard as it was to leave behind her husband and daughter, she knew this was what she needed to do for herself and her sons. Taking the job at Georgia Tech also allowed her sons to get their education tuition-free.
The book starts with Lydia saying goodbye to her grown sons...J.T and her twins, Parker and Billy Dale (Will). She has taken a job at Western Carolina University and is renting Hill House, which is located on Cunningham Farm, where her husband and daughter live. Her sons don't understand why she wants to go back, but suspect that since Estelle has passed away, she is going back to see if she can work things out with John. Lydia has explained that she's renting Hill House because John has had a lot of bills since his mother died, and might have to sell the house and some of the land to help out financially. Renting the house was to help her husband from having to sell it, and to also try to rebuild her relationship with Mary Beth and to get to know her twin grandsons. After a tearful goodbye, she heads to North Carolina, the one place she's always known was truly home! Lydia arrives to see a banner draped over the porch railing that read "Welcome Back" and her husband John greeting her at the door. Although she wasn't expecting to see him so soon, you can immediately sense that there is still chemistry between them. Obviously, her sons were correct in their suspicion of her real reason for wanting to go there, even if Lydia won't admit it. John wants to have a relationship again, but Lydia is hesitant because of the past...too many hurt feelings and too many things unresolved.
As the story progresses, you learn more about why Lydia left for Atlanta, and why her daughter chose to stay with her dad. You also get insight into why Estelle was so hard on everyone, and what happened in her life that caused her to end up that way. Through John's sister Holly, Lydia is given a new perspective as to why her husband dealt with his mother the way he did. Through it all, you get a better understanding of all of the characters, and why they made the choices they did.
I literally could write so much more, but I don't want to give away too much. This is such a wonderful story about understanding, as well as forgiveness. This is a family that has been hurt, but yet find a way to heal and move forward. The author does such a beautiful job in portraying every side of the story...why each character made the choices they did, as well as what they need to do to become a family once again. I loved the dynamics of this family and thoroughly enjoyed reading their story!
I would highly recommend reading this beautifully written book about family. At the end of the day, isn't family what really matters the most?
I was given an advanced copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ten years earlier, Lydia Cunningham left her husband (John) and daughter (Mary Beth) to move to Atlanta for a job opportunity at Georgia Tech. However, there is more to that story because they were driven away by her mother-in-law, Estelle. Lydia had tried so hard to win Estelle over, but nothing was ever good enough. Estelle was all about the farm, and she expected everyone else to live that way, too. So when Lydia's sons showed interest in pursuing other careers besides farming, Estelle started making their lives miserable as well. Her husband John never stood up to his mother, which caused problems in their marriage. As hard as it was to leave behind her husband and daughter, she knew this was what she needed to do for herself and her sons. Taking the job at Georgia Tech also allowed her sons to get their education tuition-free.
The book starts with Lydia saying goodbye to her grown sons...J.T and her twins, Parker and Billy Dale (Will). She has taken a job at Western Carolina University and is renting Hill House, which is located on Cunningham Farm, where her husband and daughter live. Her sons don't understand why she wants to go back, but suspect that since Estelle has passed away, she is going back to see if she can work things out with John. Lydia has explained that she's renting Hill House because John has had a lot of bills since his mother died, and might have to sell the house and some of the land to help out financially. Renting the house was to help her husband from having to sell it, and to also try to rebuild her relationship with Mary Beth and to get to know her twin grandsons. After a tearful goodbye, she heads to North Carolina, the one place she's always known was truly home! Lydia arrives to see a banner draped over the porch railing that read "Welcome Back" and her husband John greeting her at the door. Although she wasn't expecting to see him so soon, you can immediately sense that there is still chemistry between them. Obviously, her sons were correct in their suspicion of her real reason for wanting to go there, even if Lydia won't admit it. John wants to have a relationship again, but Lydia is hesitant because of the past...too many hurt feelings and too many things unresolved.
As the story progresses, you learn more about why Lydia left for Atlanta, and why her daughter chose to stay with her dad. You also get insight into why Estelle was so hard on everyone, and what happened in her life that caused her to end up that way. Through John's sister Holly, Lydia is given a new perspective as to why her husband dealt with his mother the way he did. Through it all, you get a better understanding of all of the characters, and why they made the choices they did.
I literally could write so much more, but I don't want to give away too much. This is such a wonderful story about understanding, as well as forgiveness. This is a family that has been hurt, but yet find a way to heal and move forward. The author does such a beautiful job in portraying every side of the story...why each character made the choices they did, as well as what they need to do to become a family once again. I loved the dynamics of this family and thoroughly enjoyed reading their story!
I would highly recommend reading this beautifully written book about family. At the end of the day, isn't family what really matters the most?
I was given an advanced copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2016
Extremely Pleasant Reading!
With Welcome Back, Lin Stepp has let us peek into the lives of some pretty typical people. Families are hard. There isn't a huge amount of drama in this story, the twist is just a little softer than usual, but believable because of that softness.
When a women falls in love, she anticipates some protection and support from their new husband. When she is a well-behaved, 'respect your elders' youthful woman, andher mother-in-law pulls the strings while hubby has chosen 'better red than dead' as his mode of operation around MOTHER, trouble is brewing.
Welcome Back is the story and back story of a family where solid love and good people manage to work out a happy ending with a gentle, pleasant Christian flavor...characters enhance skills at some Christian release and forgiveness...coming out stronger, more mature and joyful on the other side
Because Lin Stepp lives in the mountainous country where the story takes place and enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, she has experienced the geography and can deliver colorful description that keeps the story unique as it moves along. Readers have no problem visualizing the countryside, the homes and special touristy spots that flesh out this story. She manages almost 250 pages of elegantly told story that is Flinch-Free...no smut or gratuitous profanity or violence. You feel better when you have finished the book than when you started.
Always a teacher, the author has included some discussion suggestions for book clubs and reading groups.
I have enjoyed many of Lin Stepp's novels and I want to assure readers that this author is growing in her skill and must have many more stories running around on the keyboard of her mind. My copy was a gift from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review of any kind. My reviews of Lin's stories are always a double load because my husband finds they are not 'chidk' books, but can keep his interest.
With Welcome Back, Lin Stepp has let us peek into the lives of some pretty typical people. Families are hard. There isn't a huge amount of drama in this story, the twist is just a little softer than usual, but believable because of that softness.
When a women falls in love, she anticipates some protection and support from their new husband. When she is a well-behaved, 'respect your elders' youthful woman, andher mother-in-law pulls the strings while hubby has chosen 'better red than dead' as his mode of operation around MOTHER, trouble is brewing.
Welcome Back is the story and back story of a family where solid love and good people manage to work out a happy ending with a gentle, pleasant Christian flavor...characters enhance skills at some Christian release and forgiveness...coming out stronger, more mature and joyful on the other side
Because Lin Stepp lives in the mountainous country where the story takes place and enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, she has experienced the geography and can deliver colorful description that keeps the story unique as it moves along. Readers have no problem visualizing the countryside, the homes and special touristy spots that flesh out this story. She manages almost 250 pages of elegantly told story that is Flinch-Free...no smut or gratuitous profanity or violence. You feel better when you have finished the book than when you started.
Always a teacher, the author has included some discussion suggestions for book clubs and reading groups.
I have enjoyed many of Lin Stepp's novels and I want to assure readers that this author is growing in her skill and must have many more stories running around on the keyboard of her mind. My copy was a gift from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review of any kind. My reviews of Lin's stories are always a double load because my husband finds they are not 'chidk' books, but can keep his interest.
May 9, 2016
Cowardice can never step free of the past, only bravery can.
With her daughter's plea to come back home, Lydia is comes back with no expectations to the daughter and husband she left behind. Because of the manipulation and emotional abuse of her mother-in-law, Lydia took her two sons and moved from the clutches of her mother-in-law. Her daughter is now grown up with twin boys of her own and her husband is continuing the family business of farming. Her son's do not support the ideal of Lydia coming back to the husband that did not stop the abuse of his mother to their family.
A story of pain when living under oppression and picking up the pieces and years later redeeming the time of pain and misunderstanding. Lydia's husband John must prove himself to his family for not leading and protecting the family that fell under the manipulation of his mother. The relationship between Lydia and her husband had to be rebuilt but I felt that more could have been done to the relationship between mother and daughter. The daughter had chosen to stay with her father and not leave with her mother. There was more to that disconnect that could have upped the narration a bit. It was a good read on the vulnerability of relationships and what needs to be done to repair what has been damaged.
A Special Thank You to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
With her daughter's plea to come back home, Lydia is comes back with no expectations to the daughter and husband she left behind. Because of the manipulation and emotional abuse of her mother-in-law, Lydia took her two sons and moved from the clutches of her mother-in-law. Her daughter is now grown up with twin boys of her own and her husband is continuing the family business of farming. Her son's do not support the ideal of Lydia coming back to the husband that did not stop the abuse of his mother to their family.
A story of pain when living under oppression and picking up the pieces and years later redeeming the time of pain and misunderstanding. Lydia's husband John must prove himself to his family for not leading and protecting the family that fell under the manipulation of his mother. The relationship between Lydia and her husband had to be rebuilt but I felt that more could have been done to the relationship between mother and daughter. The daughter had chosen to stay with her father and not leave with her mother. There was more to that disconnect that could have upped the narration a bit. It was a good read on the vulnerability of relationships and what needs to be done to repair what has been damaged.
A Special Thank You to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 25, 2016
Welcome Back is the fourth book in the Smoky Mountain series by author Lin Stepp. I love this series. The novels are heartwarming and you know there is going to be a happy ending.
Lydia Cunningham had very good reasons for leaving her home in the Maggie Valley in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Maggie Valley is near the charming town of Waynesville in western North Carolina near Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
But now Lydia is back after ten years away. The cruel mother-in-law that drove her away is gone but can she work out her differences with her husband John. In the ten years that she has been gone will her husband understand why she left? And will be able to convince her to stay and try again?
What I really liked about Welcome Back was the central theme of forgiveness. Forgiveness between a husband and wife and forgiveness between parents and their children. This is a story of a family that had been torn apart but with faith, forgiveness and and trusting in God, they are brought back together.
Welcome Back is a Christian romance novel. It is well written and filled with interesting characters. I really enjoyed it and I know you will too.
I am looking forward to the next book already. Could it possibly be set in Bryson City? There were a few hints at the end...I've actually eaten lunch there and driven through the town.
Lydia Cunningham had very good reasons for leaving her home in the Maggie Valley in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Maggie Valley is near the charming town of Waynesville in western North Carolina near Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
But now Lydia is back after ten years away. The cruel mother-in-law that drove her away is gone but can she work out her differences with her husband John. In the ten years that she has been gone will her husband understand why she left? And will be able to convince her to stay and try again?
What I really liked about Welcome Back was the central theme of forgiveness. Forgiveness between a husband and wife and forgiveness between parents and their children. This is a story of a family that had been torn apart but with faith, forgiveness and and trusting in God, they are brought back together.
Welcome Back is a Christian romance novel. It is well written and filled with interesting characters. I really enjoyed it and I know you will too.
I am looking forward to the next book already. Could it possibly be set in Bryson City? There were a few hints at the end...I've actually eaten lunch there and driven through the town.
February 23, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author and I'm happy to say that it won't be the last. The beautifully written storyline resonated with me because I had some similar difficulties with my own mother-in-law for years and I really identified with Lydia's pain and her sense of betrayal by her husband. Lin Stepp has written a complicated character study of the dynamics between generations and the delicate road to forgiveness and reconciliation that occurs between this broken family. I especially enjoyed the beautiful setting of North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains as well as the second chance romance that blossoms between Lydia and John Cunningham. I can't wait to read the rest of Lin Stepp's books in this series. I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate a sweet and clean inspirational romance. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2017
I really enjoy Mrs. Stepp’s books. She captures the feeling and character of the Smoky Mountains.
March 19, 2020
Hoopla Ebook/Audio
March 2, 2016
Lin Stepp continues the Smoky Mountain series with the ninth book, Welcome Back. Readers who love the amazing landscape of the Smoky Mountains will appreciate Stepp's attention to even the smallest details in setting and in the customs and temperament of the area. This is a story about second chances and love that lasts even across the distance. With complex characters and even more complex family dynamics this is a book that won't soon be forgotten by any reader.
What I liked:
I live in Kentucky which happens to not be that far from the Smoky Mountains. When I found this series I was pretty sure I would love it, because I love the area. It's absolutely one of the most majestic and beautiful places I've ever been. Lin Stepp does the setting justice in this series. Description is a powerful tool in the hands of good writer and Stepp proves that if you can do it well, your setting writes itself. Not only do the mountains come alive, but so do the people. It might be easy to write about the colors and physical landscape of a place, but to write about the essence of those who inhabit it with such candor and openness is not easy. Stepp does it well.
When reading a book like this one readers have to have something to latch onto. The characters are extremely important because they usually provide that something. When I read the premise and synopsis of Welcome Back, I wasn't too sure I was going to be able to get behind Lydia and John in the way I had with previous couples in the series. Lydia struggled with her relationship with her mother-in-law and it eventually drove a wedge between her and her husband John. Lydia eventually leaves John with her daughter and takes her twin sons and moves away. I felt like from the git go, that I would not be able to support Lydia's character because she did not stay and fight for those she loved. I also wasn't sure I could support John's character because he didn't go after her. I was fully expecting to not like the book. Lin Stepp however had other ideas.
Once I started reading the book and figured out a lot of things from each of the characters point of view, it made a lot more sense to me and the second chance love story started to take shape in my mind. I could feel Lydia's misery as she dealt with the constant sabotage of John's mother. I was able to see the struggle he went through trying to choose between two people he loved dearly. What a mess! Stepp made me realize that though I might not like a particular action or point of view of character, that still doesn't mean I can't understand it and love them for seeing past it and making changes.
This is a very good second chance love story and readers will definitely be able to get behind Lydia and John if they give them a chance. I was interested in Lydia's relationship with her daughter as well and seeing how all that played out. Her sons did not want her to move back to area. They were dead set against it and I found that whole dynamic interesting as well.
What I didn't like:
To start with I didn't think I'd like it, but Stepp proved me wrong. I still have a little bit of issue with the whole running away from your problems idea. But that's not really what this book focuses on. It's more about what you do when you realize you made a mistake. It's about the fact that love doesn't just disappear when things get bad. As I continued in the book the love story took form and bloomed.
Bottom Line:
I like it when an author proves me wrong. Stepp did that. I thought her characters would be one way, and they were not. I kind of wanted to dislike them, but I didn't. I wanted to think they were running from their problems and hiding their heads in the sand, but that wasn't the case. A great job by the author, to change my view of the premise. The setting was amazing. I love the Smoky Mountains. The descriptions and attitudes of the area were very well done. A very good book. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
What I liked:
I live in Kentucky which happens to not be that far from the Smoky Mountains. When I found this series I was pretty sure I would love it, because I love the area. It's absolutely one of the most majestic and beautiful places I've ever been. Lin Stepp does the setting justice in this series. Description is a powerful tool in the hands of good writer and Stepp proves that if you can do it well, your setting writes itself. Not only do the mountains come alive, but so do the people. It might be easy to write about the colors and physical landscape of a place, but to write about the essence of those who inhabit it with such candor and openness is not easy. Stepp does it well.
When reading a book like this one readers have to have something to latch onto. The characters are extremely important because they usually provide that something. When I read the premise and synopsis of Welcome Back, I wasn't too sure I was going to be able to get behind Lydia and John in the way I had with previous couples in the series. Lydia struggled with her relationship with her mother-in-law and it eventually drove a wedge between her and her husband John. Lydia eventually leaves John with her daughter and takes her twin sons and moves away. I felt like from the git go, that I would not be able to support Lydia's character because she did not stay and fight for those she loved. I also wasn't sure I could support John's character because he didn't go after her. I was fully expecting to not like the book. Lin Stepp however had other ideas.
Once I started reading the book and figured out a lot of things from each of the characters point of view, it made a lot more sense to me and the second chance love story started to take shape in my mind. I could feel Lydia's misery as she dealt with the constant sabotage of John's mother. I was able to see the struggle he went through trying to choose between two people he loved dearly. What a mess! Stepp made me realize that though I might not like a particular action or point of view of character, that still doesn't mean I can't understand it and love them for seeing past it and making changes.
This is a very good second chance love story and readers will definitely be able to get behind Lydia and John if they give them a chance. I was interested in Lydia's relationship with her daughter as well and seeing how all that played out. Her sons did not want her to move back to area. They were dead set against it and I found that whole dynamic interesting as well.
What I didn't like:
To start with I didn't think I'd like it, but Stepp proved me wrong. I still have a little bit of issue with the whole running away from your problems idea. But that's not really what this book focuses on. It's more about what you do when you realize you made a mistake. It's about the fact that love doesn't just disappear when things get bad. As I continued in the book the love story took form and bloomed.
Bottom Line:
I like it when an author proves me wrong. Stepp did that. I thought her characters would be one way, and they were not. I kind of wanted to dislike them, but I didn't. I wanted to think they were running from their problems and hiding their heads in the sand, but that wasn't the case. A great job by the author, to change my view of the premise. The setting was amazing. I love the Smoky Mountains. The descriptions and attitudes of the area were very well done. A very good book. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 7, 2016
Interesting book about separation, second chances and how one woman moved forward once she decided to return to a previous life and relationship. Lydia left her husband John 10 years ago, taking her twin sons along while her daughter chose to stay with John. They weren't young children so it's not as bad of a choice as it seems, but were it me, I might have insisted my daughter come also.
I came to care about Lydia very quickly and was dismayed at her choice even though she'd really missed her husband. John had never stood up for his wife when his mother, a extremely vocal woman with rigid ideas about what was right and what was unacceptable, verbally abused his wife and sons. Due to that, I really didn't care for John because I strongly feel you defend your spouse and children against that type of abuse no matter who is dishing it out.
I so wanted to really hate John, but as the novel progressed, background on his childhood made me begin to understand his choices somewhat and I came to accept his viewpoint even while wishing he'd been stronger for his wife and sons.
This novel is nostalgic and somewhat slow moving, but I think that has to be for the book to work properly. By the end of the book I found myself hoping Lydia and John got back together. I enjoyed the story of the long held family ranch and the beautiful descriptions of the area and the people that were so happy to welcome Lydia back home.
This was the first book I've read by this author and I'd recommend it to people that are looking for a slow building, older love story with psychological aspects to it.
Thanks go to Lin Stepp, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
I came to care about Lydia very quickly and was dismayed at her choice even though she'd really missed her husband. John had never stood up for his wife when his mother, a extremely vocal woman with rigid ideas about what was right and what was unacceptable, verbally abused his wife and sons. Due to that, I really didn't care for John because I strongly feel you defend your spouse and children against that type of abuse no matter who is dishing it out.
I so wanted to really hate John, but as the novel progressed, background on his childhood made me begin to understand his choices somewhat and I came to accept his viewpoint even while wishing he'd been stronger for his wife and sons.
This novel is nostalgic and somewhat slow moving, but I think that has to be for the book to work properly. By the end of the book I found myself hoping Lydia and John got back together. I enjoyed the story of the long held family ranch and the beautiful descriptions of the area and the people that were so happy to welcome Lydia back home.
This was the first book I've read by this author and I'd recommend it to people that are looking for a slow building, older love story with psychological aspects to it.
Thanks go to Lin Stepp, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2016
In "Welcome Back," 48-year-old Lydia Cunningham returns to the family orchard in Maggie, North Carolina, after living and working for the past decade in Atlanta. She'd left her family because she could no longer tolerate living in the same house as her overbearing and abusive mother-in-law. Lydia's husband John—who had promised his dying father he'd look after his mother—seemingly did nothing to stop the verbal abuse of Lydia and their four children. Lydia found a job she loved working at a college in Atlanta, and soon she was joined by her three teenage sons. Her daughter, whose grandmother turned against Lydia, stayed behind with her father. For ten years, sons had no contact with their family and daughter was estranged from her mother. The two sides did not see each other during that decade, although John sent child support payments to Lydia, and Lydia wrote to her daughter Mary Beth, who often didn't get the letters. But now Lydia's abusive mother-in-law has died, and the family land might be in financial trouble. . . .
So—there's conflict and estrangement within a family. A lot of wounds to be healed. All this makes for considerable family tension and leads to some interesting plot developments. I'm not going to give those away, but I will reveal that there's a "ghost" and a couple of calico kittens. Welcome Back is an enjoyable and suspense-filled read.
If you enjoyed Lin Stepp's novel "Saving Laurel Springs," you'll likely enjoy her latest romance novel in the Smokey Mountain series, Welcome Back. Both are about women who are returning to a situation they left, both are rich in family values and a strong sense of place, and both leave you feeling good.
I blogged about "Welcome Back" here: http://peevishpen.blogspot.com/2016/0...
So—there's conflict and estrangement within a family. A lot of wounds to be healed. All this makes for considerable family tension and leads to some interesting plot developments. I'm not going to give those away, but I will reveal that there's a "ghost" and a couple of calico kittens. Welcome Back is an enjoyable and suspense-filled read.
If you enjoyed Lin Stepp's novel "Saving Laurel Springs," you'll likely enjoy her latest romance novel in the Smokey Mountain series, Welcome Back. Both are about women who are returning to a situation they left, both are rich in family values and a strong sense of place, and both leave you feeling good.
I blogged about "Welcome Back" here: http://peevishpen.blogspot.com/2016/0...
February 3, 2016
I received an ARC of "Welcome Back" from the Publlishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Welcome Back" is a love story about a woman and a man, though they have been apart for many years, still love each other. Lydia Cunningham left her husband John many years ago taking their twin sons with her. Their daughter, Mary Beth, stayed behind with John. Lydia has spent the years away from her husband missing and wanting him. The decision to return to the Smoky Mountains and her husband's family home is to see if they can make it work and be a couple again.
Lydia has so many bad memories of the Cunningham ranch, mostly due to her mother-in-law, who made her life a misery until the day she left with the twins. Lydia has to come to terms with her feelings and let go of the past if she wants to have a successful reunion with her husband.
I truly enjoyed reading "Welcome Back". It is a story that is heart-warming, tender and the characters are well developed and fun to get to know. At first, I did not really like John and the way he just ignored what was going on around him. Oncel I understood why he reacted the way he did from his sister's POV, it made more sense. Growing up with his mother must have been insane. There simply was no pleasing her. If made me want to know what caused her to be that way. It would have been nice to have gotten a perspective from her POV, but as she had passed on already it is a moot point.
I highly recommend "Welcome Back" to the readers out there who enjoy a well written romantic love story.
"Welcome Back" is a love story about a woman and a man, though they have been apart for many years, still love each other. Lydia Cunningham left her husband John many years ago taking their twin sons with her. Their daughter, Mary Beth, stayed behind with John. Lydia has spent the years away from her husband missing and wanting him. The decision to return to the Smoky Mountains and her husband's family home is to see if they can make it work and be a couple again.
Lydia has so many bad memories of the Cunningham ranch, mostly due to her mother-in-law, who made her life a misery until the day she left with the twins. Lydia has to come to terms with her feelings and let go of the past if she wants to have a successful reunion with her husband.
I truly enjoyed reading "Welcome Back". It is a story that is heart-warming, tender and the characters are well developed and fun to get to know. At first, I did not really like John and the way he just ignored what was going on around him. Oncel I understood why he reacted the way he did from his sister's POV, it made more sense. Growing up with his mother must have been insane. There simply was no pleasing her. If made me want to know what caused her to be that way. It would have been nice to have gotten a perspective from her POV, but as she had passed on already it is a moot point.
I highly recommend "Welcome Back" to the readers out there who enjoy a well written romantic love story.
February 2, 2016
Review of Welcome Back by Lin Stepp
Lydia knew heartaches, she knew angst, but as she faced the wall of sons hoping to change her mind and detour her journey she had to pull from within her own wall of reserve and determination. Secretly excited about her next sojourn, she fought back tears as she hugged each young man goodbye. For you see, this was more than a new job, more than lending a helping hand, she was going home.
As she traveled and the miles sped away, anxiety began to build. What did she expect from her journey back to her Smokies, back to Maggie Valley? The doubts she refused to allow to surface arose as she drew closer to her destination. How would she face the husband and daughter she left all those years ago? Would they understand her flight for self preservation all those years past? Would her new job making this move possible be enough if all else failed?
Shrugging her shoulders, as she began to see familiar sights, Lydia allowed herself to be drawn into the peaceful beauty of her mountains, for yes, these were hers and she was heading home.
Join Lydia as she steps back into her world of yesterday. Will the peace she craved envelope her? Will unexpected drama be too much? Will her love be enough? Read Welcome Back by Lin Stepp and take your own journey through Lydia's eyes to the beautiful mountains surrounding Maggie Valley North Carolina.
Lydia knew heartaches, she knew angst, but as she faced the wall of sons hoping to change her mind and detour her journey she had to pull from within her own wall of reserve and determination. Secretly excited about her next sojourn, she fought back tears as she hugged each young man goodbye. For you see, this was more than a new job, more than lending a helping hand, she was going home.
As she traveled and the miles sped away, anxiety began to build. What did she expect from her journey back to her Smokies, back to Maggie Valley? The doubts she refused to allow to surface arose as she drew closer to her destination. How would she face the husband and daughter she left all those years ago? Would they understand her flight for self preservation all those years past? Would her new job making this move possible be enough if all else failed?
Shrugging her shoulders, as she began to see familiar sights, Lydia allowed herself to be drawn into the peaceful beauty of her mountains, for yes, these were hers and she was heading home.
Join Lydia as she steps back into her world of yesterday. Will the peace she craved envelope her? Will unexpected drama be too much? Will her love be enough? Read Welcome Back by Lin Stepp and take your own journey through Lydia's eyes to the beautiful mountains surrounding Maggie Valley North Carolina.
April 7, 2017
I love the Smoky Mountain series. The heartfelt stories contain inspiration for everyone's daily life. The characters are normal human beings who we can all relate to.
After ten years living in Atlanta, Lydia Cunningham has decided to return to her home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and to her husband and daughter. Lydia and her three sons left to avoid the verbal abuse heaped on them daily by her mother-in-law. Now that she’s passed away, Lydia hopes to renew her relationship with her daughter and husband and wants her husband to renew his relationship with his sons.
Lydia still loves John but felt she had no choice but to leave. It hurt her that John did not seem to take up for her when his mother started in with her abuse. This was the stumbling block between Lydia and John getting back together. He needs to explain his actions and she needs to understand and forgive.
After ten years living in Atlanta, Lydia Cunningham has decided to return to her home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and to her husband and daughter. Lydia and her three sons left to avoid the verbal abuse heaped on them daily by her mother-in-law. Now that she’s passed away, Lydia hopes to renew her relationship with her daughter and husband and wants her husband to renew his relationship with his sons.
Lydia still loves John but felt she had no choice but to leave. It hurt her that John did not seem to take up for her when his mother started in with her abuse. This was the stumbling block between Lydia and John getting back together. He needs to explain his actions and she needs to understand and forgive.
January 1, 2020
I can't add anything to the book review. I can only say that I enjoy the characters, their life story, present circumstances . Life changes and with those changes there are new decisions. As with her other stories In familiar with the areas. I loved in Atlanta, Ga. and Tennessee near the Mountains.
I genuinely love the people who live in the communities and her description of the landscape and the people reminds me of those I have known.
I highly recommend any story written by Lin Stepp. I read her books as quickly as they are published and look forward to what she will write next. The only negative is having to wait for the next story
I genuinely love the people who live in the communities and her description of the landscape and the people reminds me of those I have known.
I highly recommend any story written by Lin Stepp. I read her books as quickly as they are published and look forward to what she will write next. The only negative is having to wait for the next story
June 7, 2020
Thomas Wolfe wrote You Can’t Go Home Again, and that usually proves true. However, sometimes in life, with effort, and perseverance, and love, and forgiveness… something very similar can be rebuilt. Lydia Cunningham, and her husband John, have worked and lived 200 miles apart. It has not been a loving long-distance relationship. Can Lydia and John rebuild their marriage? Can Lydia connect again with her daughter, Mary Beth, and with her grandsons? Lin Stepp’s Welcome Back unfolds this complicated story of conflicted love. There’s nowhere better to heal than Lin Stepp’s Smoky Mountains!
February 26, 2016
Pleasant story of family reunion. The writing is awkward at times but there's a positive message and some nice touches, such as the calico cats. I also liked learning a bit about apple orchards. I was wondering why in 2016 the sons would want their mother to carry maps of two states in her new car- no gps? no cell phone? In any event, you'll like this if you like the region and enjoy low key romances. Thanks to NETGALLEY for the ARC.
October 9, 2017
great mountain family storyof life that is all about family and happiness. I recommend the entire series. Ih what a joy for Ll kids to grow up in that wonderful laid back life style.
great mountain family storyof life that is all about family and happiness. I recommend the entire series. Ih what a joy for Ll kids to grow up in that wonderful laid back life style.
great mountain family storyof life that is all about family and happiness. I recommend the entire series. Ih what a joy for Ll kids to grow up in that wonderful laid back life style.
October 18, 2020
I love this book
Once again a riveting story. I started and didn't stop until I finished. A couple, separated for ten years that still love each other, try to find their way again. Set in the Smoky Mountains, along with a ghost, grown children and grandchildren, this book will keep you reading!
Once again a riveting story. I started and didn't stop until I finished. A couple, separated for ten years that still love each other, try to find their way again. Set in the Smoky Mountains, along with a ghost, grown children and grandchildren, this book will keep you reading!
May 22, 2016
Welcome Back
Not my favorite from Lin Stepp. Without giving any of the plot away, I'll just say the part with the six year old twins finding their way home was pretty unbelievable.
Not my favorite from Lin Stepp. Without giving any of the plot away, I'll just say the part with the six year old twins finding their way home was pretty unbelievable.
July 2, 2018
Great book
Welcome Back is a wonderful book. I loved the plot and the characters. I love Maggie, NC and I could revisit it once again through the author's eyes. I higher recommend this book.
Welcome Back is a wonderful book. I loved the plot and the characters. I love Maggie, NC and I could revisit it once again through the author's eyes. I higher recommend this book.
March 4, 2016
Lin again captures the magic of the Smoky Mountains, this time set in North Carolina. Lydia, her main character, has to navigate some troubled waters when she returns home. Well told.
April 4, 2016
As always, Lin ' s book makes me want to live near these nice people.
April 8, 2016
Beautifully descriptive; about forgiveness and hope.
March 28, 2017
I wish I could live in this book. I love the large farms, close knit community, and the smoky mountains. Lin so carefully and beautifully brings about the effects of emotional and verbal abuse that her charters endured. I could relate to them since my own childhood was abusive, so any book that smoothly raises awareness while giving hope for healing I truly appreciate.
A beautiful book of healing, peace, hope, and moving forward.
A beautiful book of healing, peace, hope, and moving forward.
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